No God

¹Only the withering soul would say to himself,[#14:1 Or “fool.” The word for “fool” comes from a Hebrew word meaning “withering.” If we make no room for God, we have withered hearts, our moral sense of righteousness is put to sleep, and the noble aspirations of the heart shrivel up and die.]

“There is no God.”

Anyone who thinks like this is corrupt and callous,

devoid of what is good.

²Yahweh looks down in love ,

looking over all of Adam’s sons and daughters.

He’s looking to see if there is anyone who acts wisely,

any who are searching for God and wanting to please him.

None Who Are Good

³But everyone has wandered astray,

walking stubbornly toward evil.

Not one is good; he can’t even find one.

⁴They live in luxury while exploiting my people!

Won’t these workers of wickedness ever learn?

They don’t ever think of praying to God.

Overwhelmed with Dread

⁵But look at them now, in panic, trembling with terror.

For God is on the side of his godly lovers .

⁶Yahweh is always the safest place for the poor

when the workers of wickedness oppress them.

Overcome with Joy

⁷How I wish that Israel’s rescue

would arise from the midst of Zion!

When Yahweh restores his people,

Jacob’s joy will break forth

and Israel will be glad!